CREATIVE MISSOURI 2026
Get inspired by the arts that innovate and create in Missouri
Saturday, March 28 | 10 AM – 3 PM | Missouri Theatre | Columbia
Creative Missouri will feature compelling presenters, performers, and networking in one fast-paced, highly entertaining day!
Artists, arts lovers, arts organizations, creative economy businesses and professionals, arts administrators, creatives, makers, innovators of any kind, anyone interested in the arts and ideas, this is your event!
Register to attend
Go here to get your tickets! They’re only $19.65 per person (in homage to the year we started!). And for students, educators, people ages 65+, and veterans, tickets are just
$9.
#CreativeMissouri2026
Celebrated for her genre-blending style, expressive vocals, and introspective, thought-provoking lyrics
Malena Smith
Singer Songwriter Storyteller
Inventor of Coloratura, an instrument that transforms paintbrushes into tools that create music and art simultaneously
Camry Ivory
Musician Artist Inventor
Making audiences laugh and provoking thought since his very first performance
Ed Reggi
Teaching Artist Facilitator
Leading neighborhoods in developing an original play based on one of Shakespeare’s works—a play with themes that reflect the community’s character
Shakespeare in the Street
STL Shakespeare Festival
Combining soft, lilting vocals with poignant honesty and wit, Danielle writes songs for the biggest and smallest moments of life.
Danielle Anderson
Singer Songwriter Educator
He helps people and organizations understand the digital world and AI without the overwhelm.
Burton Kelso
Tech Expert Entrepreneur
“Like all magpies, we are collectors. Using leftover materials to encourage reuse by artists, makers and entrepreneurs of all ages.”
Magpie Collective
Reuse
Education
Innovation
“One of the greatest joys of my life is to spend time learning and sharing about the Ozarks, so we can learn and appreciate how and who we are.”
Kaitlyn McConnell
Ozarks Alive
“We propel Kansas City into being a mural-laden town that promotes creative expression on a large, public scale.”
Ami Ayars Harrington
SpraySeeMO
Obsessed with da Vinci, Escher, and Dali as he creates paintings that include augmented reality and a digital dimension
Andrew Rola
Artist
Missouri’s filmmaking creates an impact here in Hollywood in the Heartland.
Andrea Sporcic Klund
Missouri Film
A music educator for over 10 years awakening the power and healing within her students
Violet Vonder Haar
Compass Inc. Choir
SIX REASONS WHY YOU’LL LOVE CREATIVE MISSOURi
1. High-Energy Format
Forget dry hour-long lectures! Creative Missouri’s dynamic format intersperses compelling speakers with live performances. You’ll experience a wealth of ideas, artistic styles, and innovative concepts in just five hours.
2. Nine Dives Into Art and Innovation
Our lineup tackles the cutting edge of creativity. You’ll see firsthand how Missourians are pushing boundaries, and you’ll walk away with the creative fuel to launch your own ideas.
– Camry Ivory, inventor of her Coloratura® electronic paintbrushes that combine music with visual art
– Keli Campbell, sourcing recycled materials for artists to create with
– Tom Ridgely, using Shakespeare to tell a community’s stories
– Kaitlyn McConnell, looking to the Ozarks’ past and present to help us understand the future
– Ed Reggi, master of the art of improv
– Ami Ayars Harrington, envisioning communities brought to life through murals
– Andrew Rola, presenting art overlaid with augmented reality
– Andrea Sporcic Klund, helping filmmakers show Missouri to the world
– Burton Kelso, a tech entrepreneur exploring whether AI will kill our ability to imagine
3. Three Performances That Push the Imagination
– Malena Smith, genre-blending music and storytelling
– Danielle Ate the Sandwich, ukulele songs with warmth and wit
– Compass Community Choir, a rousing finale that will bring you to your feet
4. Unrivaled Networking With Cultural Champions
Creative Missouri isn’t just for spectators! It’s an interactive gathering of artists, arts lovers, arts leaders, and creative economy professionals. Our built-in networking sessions provide the perfect stage to grow your circle.
There’s even an extra session from 3 to 4 p.m.
5. Direct Access to Funders
Navigating the world of grants can be daunting. Navigating the world of grants can be daunting. At Creative Missouri you can get one-on-one time with the Missouri Arts Council, Missouri Humanities, and Mid-America Arts Alliance.
It’s a rare opportunity to learn exactly what Missouri’s major cultural funders are looking for in project proposals.
6. You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Experts
Need advice on community development, filmmaking, arts-related law, or arts education? Just ask.
answer lab
Interact one-on-one with our experts on the scene
Coloratura® with Camry Ivory | try for yourself her brushes that paint and play music
COMO CraftCycle + Magpie Creative Reuse Collective | reusing materials for creative projects
Missouri Alliance for Arts Education | how the arts benefit education
Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies | how the arts build communities
Missouri Film Office | showcasing Missouri with film
Missouri Poet Laureate Justin Hamm | with his Poetry Jukebox
St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts | insights from legal pros
Focus on grants and programs by these statewide funders of art and culture
Missouri Arts Council | funding the arts statewide
Missouri Humanities | funding the humanities statewide
Mid-America Arts Alliance | six-state regional arts funder based in Kansas City